Environmental Guard fines operators 10.7 million lei in 'Balastiera 2026'

The National Environmental Guard has levied fines totaling 10,746,500 lei as part of its 'Balastiera 2026' campaign against non-compliant mineral aggregate exploitation operators. Conducted over the first nine months of the year, this initiative included 840 inspections, the Guard reported.

Andrei Corlan, General Commissioner of the National Environmental Guard, highlighted the impact of technology in these efforts. "Technology helped us a lot," he stated, noting the use of drones and modern tools to inspect the often remote and inaccessible ballast pits.

The inspections uncovered significant and recurring non-compliance among operators. Violations frequently involved missing environmental and water permits, improper material and waste storage, and insufficient protection for soil, subsoil, and biodiversity.

To address these issues, commissioners issued over 300 sanctions, including 82 warnings, and mandated severe actions for major breaches. These actions involved suspending operations, requiring land restoration, and filing criminal charges in severe instances. The goal is not just to penalize but to ensure compliance.

The imposed measures focus on cleaning and restoring affected sites. Actions include handing over waste to authorized agents, banning material storage near watercourses, maintaining decantation facilities, and sprinkling work areas to reduce dust. Through these measures, the National Environmental Guard aims to promote responsible environmental practices among operators.